During National Caffeine Awareness Month in March, U.S. Representative Rob Menendez (NJ) introduced the bipartisan House Bill 2511 - Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act in the 119th Congress to strengthen regulations on added caffeine in beverages.
Sarah Katz 2001-2022
Diagnosed with a heart condition at age five, Sarah carefully managed her health and avoided energy drinks due to their high caffeine and stimulant content. As she began her junior year at the University of Pennsylvania, she consumed a highly caffeinated drink from a fast-food restaurant. Shortly afterward, she suffered cardiac arrest and tragically passed away at 21 years-old.
What this Proposed Act Does
Caffeine Disclosure
Restaurants must clearly indicate menu items containing more than 150 milligrams of added caffeine on menus, menu boards, and drive-thru displays.
Energy Drink Labeling
Requires clear labeling of caffeine content and other stimulants on energy drink packaging.
Research on Vulnerable Populations
Requires the National Institutes of Health to further study the effects of caffeine on vulnerable populations.
Safety Reviews & Regulation Updates
Requires the FDA to conduct a comprehensive review of caffeine safety and update regulations as needed.
Public Safety Campaign
Directs the CDC to implement an educational initiative on safe caffeine consumption.
Marketing Study
Authorizes a Government Accountability Office study on the misleading marketing of caffeinated beverages, especially targeting children and teens.
Endorsed by
American Academy of Pediatrics
Center for Science in the Public Trust
Consumer Federation of America
Consumer Reports
Parent Heart Watch
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
John Taylor Babbitt Foundation
CALL TO ACTION
Find Your Representative
Ask your Congressional representative to co-sponsor and support the Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act. Share why this bill matters—highlight the risks of excessive caffeine consumption. Requests like this are submitted via a portal on the representative’s website.
Contact Your Legislator
Personalize this sample message to make your request:
"Dear [Representative], I urge you to support the Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act to protect consumers from dangerous levels of caffeine in beverages. Transparency and regulation are critical to prevent harm. Please co-sponsor and advocate for this life-saving legislation. Thank you!”
You can use this sample letter to frame your message.
Spread Awareness
Share on Social Media
• Post about the bill using #CaffeineSafetyAct #SarahKatzAct
• Tag legislators and influencers to amplify the message
Email or Text Your Network
• Encourage friends and family to contact their representatives
• Share articles and advocacy materials
Engage the Media
Write to Local News & Blogs
• Submit an op-ed or letter to the editor about the importance of caffeine safety
• Share personal stories or data highlighting the risks
Email or Text Your Network
• Encourage friends and family to contact their local media
• Share articles and advocacy materials with local media
Your voice makes a difference! By taking action today, you can help
prevent future tragedies and promote consumer safety.
